I need at least a 10MBPS down and 2MBPS up anywhere I live. That has been a great limiting factor about where I can live. I always wanted to live out in the country, but my business has always kept me in the burbs due to internet requirements.
As far as internet speeds go, CableOne has a 50M/5M plan for under $50 right now. Not sure how rural you can go with that tho...